Electro-optical Metrology:
Typical Applications in the Civil/Power Industry
Checking Pipes for Straightness and End Squareness
A micro alignment telescope is used to define a reference line through the centre or top surface of the pipe. An optical square is then used to sweep a plane at 90 degrees to this reference line at the end faces and any deviations noted.
« Back to applications
Reciprocating Compressors (eg. Chemical & Fertiliser Industry)
The chemical and fertilizer industry uses very large reciprocating compressors. During initial installation and subsequent maintenance operations, the alignment of crankshaft bores, cylinders and crossheads is important for economical and reliable operation of the system. This can be achieved using the Micro Alignment Telescope with accessories.
« Back to applications
Coal Unloading Conveyor
Conveyors are used throughout industry for transporting materials. Coal for power stations comes to its destinations by a variety of transport methods. When a ship is the vehicle used, there comes the problem of discharging the loose cargo in the hold onto the dockside, or waiting land-transport. This application involved the design and construction of a screw-type conveyor which dips down into the ship’s hold and withdraws the cargo. Alignment problems arose in the assembly of the several sections which make up the cylindrical head of the machine, allowing debris between the blade edge and the outer casing, resulting in breakdown and replacement sections. A proposal offering a series of suitable measuring and alignment procedures was evolved. The proposal included Alignment Telescope, Unimount and special targets.
« Back to applications
Building and Construction Application
One would not usually associate high-precision instruments with the production of products for the building industry. In this case, our customer was involved in the design and manufacture of a new machine for the automated production of structural internal walling sections. This machine was a prototype and had already been partially installed, with various problems due to the alignment methods used. We were able to assist with practical help and follow up with ideas on modifications to assist in the installation of future machines. Our advice has led the customer to re-think the whole of the installation procedure which on the prototype was extremely costly. Equipment involved included Micro Alignment Telescope, Talyvel and unimount with accessories.
« Back to applications
Oil Refinery
The Micro Alignment Telescope and Talyvel have been successfully employed within the environment of an oil refinery. The work is involved in the refurbishment and maintenance of diesel engines and compressors.
« Back to applications
Monitoring of Structural Movement
Monitoring of structural movement over extended periods is an application which has been related to Talyvel many times. In this particular case it was necessary to monitor any changes in attitude of a tunnel wall which passes under a river. The contractor was concerned about the effects of pile driving for a nearby bridge construction project. The high sensitivity of Talyvel and availability of long connection cables proved ideal for this project.
« Back to applications
Lock Gates on Canal/River Systems
Lock gates on canal/river systems : monitoring the attitude or level of the gates as they are moved to various positions. Changes in the level measurement point may reveal a twist of the gate with stresses and strains being introduced in the compartments. The use of a Talyvel with modified analogue output can solve this problem.
« Back to applications
Heat Exchangers
Assembly of vertical heat exchangers for use in the nuclear power industry presents problems not usually found in other industries. The requirement is for all the tubes to be vertical and thus parallel to each other. Initial setting of the Micro Alignment Telescope is achieved by auto-reflecting off a plane mirror which has been set truly horizontal by use of Talyvel. Each tube is then sighted using the telescope and brought into alignment.
« Back to applications